by Ashley Munoz
“You too?” I nodded and set my things by the door.
We’d both graduated the week before, and now we were moving out of our apartment. I was headed back home to Pinehurst, and Marcus was headed to San Diego with his girl to officially start on their local baseball team.
Marcus set down his box and hesitantly stood. I wouldn’t make him be awkward about asking for a hug, not when I was going to miss him as much as I knew I would.
Leaning forward, I opened my arms and swung them around my best friend.
“Don’t be a stranger,” Marcus muttered, slapping my back.
“You either, and if you need a good landscaper…” We broke apart, me smiling, him glaring.
“I think you’re being a pussy about letting your dream go.”
What did he know of my dreams? Did he know mine had shifted so significantly that I didn’t even recognize myself when I looked in the mirror?
“Yeah, well…” I trailed off, trying to make light of what he was saying. The truth was I didn’t deserve baseball; I’d tainted it with what I’d done to Mallory.
“By the way, I heard about Mallory having to drop her story and the rumors the team started. I would have given you a heads-up about that shit if I knew…” He dipped his head to grab his box again.
We hadn’t really discussed anything over the past few weeks. Getting to this point had been one stressful exam after another. Add in practices, games, and my shifts at the bar, and we’d barely seen each other.
But talking about it now just took me back to that night when I last had Mallory in my arms, when I had her against that door…when everything between us was perfect.
Then it all went to hell so quickly afterward.
“It’s all good, man.” I didn’t hold any of that against Marcus. I knew what role he had to play on the team, and the role he chose to play. More often than not, he was flipping them the bird, so it didn’t hurt my feelings that he’d been on the outskirts of information when I needed it.
“I feel bad for her, though. I heard the team spread a ton of shit about her around school…heard she ended up leaving before she even graduated because of it. I mean, I had no idea her dad was the Charles Shaw, but people shouldn’t have turned into cunts over it.”
She hadn’t graduated? Was she okay? What the hell had happened…?
I didn’t respond; instead I just dropped my gaze to the floor and toyed with my truck keys.
I had kept my distance from Mallory because, after calling every day for weeks and not getting a single returned phone call, I began to get the hint. She wanted space, time—whatever the fuck it was, it wasn’t me.
“So, there’s another thing…” my roommate warned, making me lift my head. He watched me carefully for a second or two before clicking his tongue and giving in. “This is the type of shit that’s gonna make your blood boil, so calm down before you react.” Marcus carefully placed a piece of memorabilia from when he was young in the box before bringing his gaze back up to mine. “E isn’t going pro. The team that had been scouting him to sign dropped him after his last game.”
I had left that game early because one of the team members had gotten injured, and I’d opted to ride to the hospital with him instead of sitting in that fucking box for the remainder.
“I heard he’s headed to New York now, and there are rumors he’s getting hitched to none other than Charles Shaw’s daughter,” Marcus finished with a strenuous tone.
“When did you hear that?” There was no way he was still good for the deal, not after Mallory found out and he’d taken her story away. Mallory knew of my past with him and knew he was dangerous…there was no fucking way either of them would do it.
Right?
I headed toward the kitchen to grab a few things, stuffing them in a small box that’d been lying around. My mind raced, wondering how I could reach her. I could have texted Taylor, but she’d been silent with me recently too.
It couldn’t be Mallory. It wouldn’t be her.
Something deep down told me it was. I wouldn’t have felt this panicked if it wasn’t.
“I heard it a few days ago. Elias is packing all his shit and heading home to prepare for his new role as CFO, and of course his upcoming nuptials.”
My fingers were numb from how tightly I’d been gripping the box in my hand. This news shouldn’t have surprised me. I’d walked away…all while he was still going after her. He was still going to get the girl in the end.
“Based on your scowl and your lack of response, I’d say you had no idea what his plans were.” Marcus dropped one of his heavy boxes at my feet, letting a sly smile work at his mouth. “I’d also say you might be the dumbest man I’ve ever met.” His soft eyes searched my face…for what, I had no idea, but he wasn’t wrong.
I felt like the dumbest man alive. How could I lose her to him?
“You need to go see this girl and fix it. No deals, no lies…nothing but you and the truth.”
I ran my hand along the back of my neck, dragging in a ragged breath. My best friend was so much more perceptive than I gave him credit for.
“I told her the truth…she didn’t believe me.”
“Then make her.” He walked closer, lightly punching me in the arm.
“And if she rejects me?”
Marcus watched me, moving his fun jab to a friendly shoulder hug. “At least you gave it your best shot, your hardest swing, tossed in the best card. Don’t forget the rules, brother.” He winked then turned to grab his things.
I stood there, trying to make sense of it. I knew what he was saying, but my stomach twisted with the knowledge that I’d fucked up. How on earth would she give me another shot? I sure as fuck didn’t deserve one.
But maybe…maybe I should just do it. What did I have to lose by at least trying?
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The pasta boiled while I stirred the meat sauce. I eyed the timer and wiped my fingers on the apron tied around my waist.
“You testing out a new dish for the hubs?” Taylor asked mockingly.
She was scarce these days, and I didn’t know what else to do to get her to talk to me.
I thought back to the conversation I’d had with my father three weeks earlier. After my conversation with Taylor, I had cried my eyes out then woke up the next morning and cornered my father. I’d gone over the details and realized there was something that hadn’t added up. Taylor had known about the deal with Elias, but that plan was temporary. He was only supposed to invite her, get her to wear his jacket, and spread the word that he’d finally hooked up—that was it. Then they’d go their separate ways.
The conversation I’d overheard that day at brunch didn’t match Taylor’s version, so I’d curled up in the leather chair in front of my father’s office and asked him an uncomfortable question.
“You said she’d marry someone her own age…” I tucked my knees under me and braced my hands on the arms of the chair.
My father’s eyes narrowed, but a few seconds later his greying brows arched toward his forehead. Dad always looked like that actor Pierce Brosnan, especially now with the silver threading through the sides of his head.
“What are you…”
“Brunch a few weeks ago—I overheard your conversation.”
His brown eyes softened, his body melting into his chair. “You don’t know what you heard.”
“Then tell me, because from here, it sounds like you were making more of a deal than what my sister understood. How bad is the New York office?” I jumped right to it because I didn’t want to be treated like a child, didn’t want him to pretend.
He shook his head, rubbing his jaw.
I didn’t actually expect him to answer, but after a few loud sighs, he leaned forward, meeting my eyeline.
“I need someone there I can trust. I was hoping it would be your sister…but there are complications.”
“The board?” I ran my finger along the leather threading of the chair, trying to calm my nerves.
“They’re pushing back on this. I need someone there, and they aren’t budging on the marriage clause. What you overheard was me bullshitting them to buy time. There was no guy, no person talking in the city…I just needed more time to figure out a solution. I had made a deal with that twat Elias for the sake of appearances. I thought if they organically met and made it seem serious through the event I had and past graduation then the board would back off.”
That didn’t end up happening, though, thanks to Decker and me.
It only took me a few seconds to think it through. My article was dead. Everyone was going to be talking about my last name once I got back to school, and there would be zero chance any of them would root for me to land the internship now that they knew my father owned stock in Kline Global. Maybe this was the best solution all around.
“I’ll do it.”
His eyes went wide, his mouth gaping.
“I’m serious…I’ll do it,” I reassured him, sitting taller in the chair.
“I can’t ask you to do that, Mallory. I’d never ask you to—”
“You aren’t asking. It should have been on me to do it instead of Taylor. She’s always wanted to please you.”
He smirked with the slightest shake of his head. “She’s always acted like she owes me something. I’ve never told you this, but her biological father isn’t a good man…he’s dangerous.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Dangerous as in…?” I waited for him to fill in the blank.
“Think The Godfather, then add in Fight Club and mix it with Dexter.”
I blinked. “Oh shit.”
“Yeah. He lives in New York, and I knew Taylor even offering to take that office was a big step for her. I never intended for her to go. I wanted to fight the board, get more time, find someone, but I’m out of time, kid. I’m in a corner, and if you wanted to take it…I’d be grateful.”
“And the marriage clause?” I could do it. I would do whatever it took to keep Taylor from this.
My dad’s silence was answer enough.
“Do you have someone in mind?” I swallowed the thick anxiety eating away at my nerves. My stomach swirled like it had been tossed into the washing machine. I forced my mind not to think of Decker, but the attempt only brought back memories of him holding me in the dark, asking me to promise something I shouldn’t have agreed to.
“They do. You actually met him already at the dinner benefit.” My dad’s face started to look a little green. His lips thinned; his brows became a determined shelf.
“Jeff?” I almost crossed my fingers, hoping I was wrong.
His nod sealed my fate. “He asked about you after that night. You left an impression, so that’s a good start.” I almost laughed at his attempt at encouragement.
I stood; my dad matched the movement.
“Mallory…”
“I know, Dad. We’re family, and this is what family does.” I smiled even though my stomach felt like I had shoved a pair of scissors through it. This would mean I couldn’t have Decker ever…this would mean the end.
Maybe it was just as well. We’d started off so wrong, and what would Taylor think if I just kept seeing him? She’d think I was rubbing my happiness in her face.
Still, there were things I needed clarity on, so on my way out, I turned and asked, “Just curious—do you know who invited Elias Matthews to your event that night?”
Dad moved papers around his desk before settling them into a pile.
“I did…by accident. He’d wanted a meeting with me, and at the time I was so exhausted I just told him to show up at the dinner and catch a moment of my time there.”
Decker had been telling the truth, which meant that the entire dramatic production Elias had put on after he walked into the library had all been total bullshit, and I’d walked away from the man I loved without giving him a second glance for a lie.
How ironic.
Elias won.
I had visited with Jeff Larkin the previous week, having dinner at a five-star restaurant where we were sure to be seen by anyone who apparently mattered. He was tall and broad-shouldered with a nice chin. I thought there was a dimple there when he smiled the one time. I’d fought back the urge to laugh when he’d shook my hand. One month earlier, I had assumed I’d be attending an internship then eventually working as a paid staff writer at Kline Global; now I was going to be married to a stranger.
Taylor found out about the news at our family brunch a few days after I had agreed to everything. She abruptly left the patio in a huff of anger.
It’d been ice and silence since.
I had decided on this dinner as a way to officially apologize to her and try to smooth things over. I was leaving for New York in a matter of days, but before I did, I wanted my sister back.
Straining the pasta, I rinsed it then added the sauce and pulled the garlic bread out of the oven.
“Taylor, this dinner is for you,” I said meekly, wiping my hands on my apron again. Dad’s security team had been briefed about the fact that everyone in school knew who we were, so they were now stationed in a more visible location. I had a driver, at Jeff’s request, and a personal security detail named Leo at my beck and call.
My sister subtly inhaled the smell of dinner and tightened her grip on the napkin in her hand.
“Here.” I handed her a plate then grabbed mine before sitting across from her.
We ate in silence for a few minutes before Taylor finally broke it.
“I hate that you’re doing this.”
“What else am I going to do?” I shrugged, swirling the pasta with my fork.
It was pathetic, really. I mean…I had no backup plan. I’d need to finish my degree, but for nearly four years, I’d majored in journalism, and now I wasn’t credible thanks to my story on the Devils. The whole school had heard I’d gotten my wrists slapped and shut down; that paired with the truth about my father was a painful pill to swallow. I was leaving. I hadn’t even stepped foot in my journalism class since the meeting with the faculty and lawyers.
“You could still apply at other papers. You don’t have to give up your dream just because your dream job isn’t available. What if you intern somewhere else and you end up back here? You can’t just give up on it,” Taylor argued, moving the food around her plate.
I swallowed and took a sip of my wine. I’d tried to offer some to Taylor, but she’d turned it down for ginger ale, claiming her stomach was upset.
“And what about Dad?” I asked. “Don’t pretend you weren’t going to do exactly what I’m doing now.”
“Yeah, but I don’t have any dreams, Mal. I have no plans…I don’t mind being the arm candy for some stranger.” Her words were strained. Maybe she thought I wouldn’t pick up on it or the fact that she kept wearing baggy sweatshirts, but my sister had a secret, one I had a feeling she wouldn’t be able to keep to herself for very long.
“I’m older than you. It’s my job as the older sister to do this.”
Her eyes shot to mine, fast as lightning. “Did you just say sister?”
Here was my opening, to finally explain to my little sister that I loved her.
I spun on my stool until I was facing her. “Tay, I’m so sorry about what I did to you with Decker. Of course I consider you my sister. I love you, and I’ll be damned before you go to New York. It’s my job—let me do this.”
She had tears in her eyes, some already crawling down her cheek. “But I’ll miss you.”
I laughed, reaching forward to swipe at her tears. “Then come with me, or come visit…but we’re not done, and New York isn’t even that far. I’m just a few hours away.”
She sniffed then threw herself at me. “I love you.”
I rocked back, taking her in. My heart swelled a million times the size of a normal organ, I was sure of it. “I love you too.”
We ate our pasta, talked about life after our non-graduations, and then stayed up all night watching trashy television while I thought of the
one thing that still plagued me, the one thing that, after all these weeks, still wouldn’t budge.
A pair of mossy eyes that saw me in ways no one else ever would.
Taylor couldn’t stay up for long. We’d watched a few shows and she’d passed out on the couch, further convincing me that something wasn’t right with her. Once I covered her up, I walked to my bedroom, flipping off lights as I went.
My bedroom was already dark, but once I flipped on the twinkle lights, a dark figure came into focus.
“Decker?” I faltered near the dresser, my heart squeezing in my chest. “How’d you get past security?” I pulled off my sweatshirt, throwing it to the ground. I needed pajamas, but I didn’t want to completely strip in front of him. That would take us somewhere we shouldn’t go.
He perched against the wall closest to my desk, holding a stack of papers in his hands.
“So, this was your story?”
Oh god. I was going to die. Definitely die.
“Uh…” I stepped closer. I just wanted to grab it out of his hands and hide it. “Yeah.” I’d finished the story before it was taken from me, and every now and then I still looked over it, just because I believed it was worth reporting on. It really was a great story idea, and the students of RFU would have loved to see into the Devils’ world.
“It’s good, Mal. Really good.” He flipped a page then gently set it down on the desk.
I cleared my throat, grabbing the papers and tossing them into the wastebasket. That was where they belonged.
“What are you doing here, Decker?” I brought my hands to my hips, trying to shove away the itch to wrap them around him.
“I finished the semester and graduated.” He shoved his hands into his pockets, and I realized we were too close.
My regular issue with proximity never flared when Decker was around, but now I wished it would kick in, warning me to get away from him. Instead his scent wrapped around me like a warm, familiar hug.
